Curcumin (turmeric), which is mainly grown in China and India, is a tuberous plant belonging to the ginger family. While it is widely used in these regions, it has also become increasingly popular in Turkey.
For centuries, curcumin (turmeric) has been used, particularly for health-related purposes. In Indian medicine, it is considered a blood purifier and tonic. Additionally, it is widely used as an anti-inflammatory agent for treating burns, cuts, and wounds. Due to its significant contributions to skin health, it is also utilized in bath soaps and creams today.
What Are the Benefits of Curcumin (Turmeric)?
Thanks to its rich minerals and components, curcumin holds a significant place in health today. Its benefits apply to both children and adults.
- Supports heart health.
- Acts directly against body inflammation.
- Provides relief for joint pain and related issues.
- Helps minimize skin problems.
- Beneficial for prostate health.
- Offers strong protection against colon cancer.
- Provides defense against Alzheimer’s disease.
- Known to aid in the recovery from colds, flu, and similar illnesses.
- Enhances memory function.
- Used in the treatment of asthma.
- Contributes to children's development.
- Helps alleviate digestive gas issues.
- Increases body resistance and endurance.
- Plays a role in improving brain functions.
- Supports cell regeneration.
- Enhances the body's antioxidant capacity.
- Has a calming effect on psychological conditions.
- Possesses anti-aging properties.
- Benefits neurological diseases.
- Strengthens muscles and provides significant effects.
Curcumin offers numerous other health benefits and can be consumed in various ways.
How to Use Turmeric?
Turmeric is a spice with a strong flavor, so its quantity should be carefully controlled. It can be added to meals, or mixed with moderately warm milk or water. If these methods are not preferable, it can also be consumed by mixing it into yogurt. Additionally, it can be added to beverages.
How Does Curcumin Aid in Weight Loss?
- Curcumin helps accelerate digestion and is a powerful gas reliever. It is especially sought after by those who want to lose weight, as it has anti-obesity properties.
- When preparing vegetables for a diet, adding curcumin with a tablespoon of olive oil is beneficial. It can also be mixed into yogurt for consumption. This mixture is both satisfying and nutritious for a snack. Additionally, it can be consumed with lean chicken.
- Since curcumin has a metabolism-boosting effect, regular exercise should accompany its consumption. Drinking warm milk with curcumin can also be beneficial as a snack.
Bentonite and Curcumin
Bentonite is used as a drug carrier (drug carrier) to develop new controlled drug release systems, enhancing the therapeutic effect of drugs while minimizing their side effects. Products containing bentonite and curcumin have been developed, where bentonite’s ability to transport active ingredients has significantly increased curcumin’s absorption in the intestines (which is normally less than 1%) by 2,000 times and its bioavailability by 4 times.
According to studies published on PubMed, if curcumin’s absorption problem is resolved, it can aid in the treatment of cancer, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, high cholesterol and triglycerides, high uric acid levels, and osteoarthritis.
Approximately 20 cancer centers across Turkey have integrated bentonite and curcumin liquid supplements into their standard cancer treatments and have reported increased treatment success.
Why Should We Use Curcumin Extract?
- Protects against cancer. The active compounds in Curcuma longa extract have the ability to detect and eliminate cancerous cells that begin to form in the human body.
- Neutralizes inflammation and oxidative stress. These factors are among the leading causes of cancer development.
- Supports detoxification. Due to modern lifestyle factors and an imbalanced diet, toxic substances accumulate in the body, particularly in the digestive organs. These toxins pose risks to liver function (similar to chemotherapeutic drugs). Curcumin extract has been found to be beneficial in research on metabolic detoxification.
- Aids in autoimmune diseases and cellular damage. Many serious health conditions, including autoimmune diseases, stem from DNA and cellular damage as well as uncontrolled metabolic processes. Curcuminoids play a crucial role in detecting and repairing such damage.
- Useful in cancer treatment. More than 5,000 studies worldwide have confirmed curcumin's beneficial effects on cancer cells. Research indicates that when administered alongside chemotherapy, curcumin does not diminish the strength of chemotherapy drugs but instead enhances their effectiveness. Some findings suggest that curcumin increases the estimated benefit rate of chemotherapy from approximately 5% to 25%, protects the liver from damage, and helps patients endure the treatment process more effectively.
- Recognized by oncologists in Turkey. In certain Turkish cities, oncologists have started including Curcuma longa extract in their prescriptions. Patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy who also use curcumin extract have shown noticeable improvements in both their general condition and their response to treatment.
Spc. RD. Zübeyde SEMİZ
Dietitian and Nutrition Specialist
